In a landmark ruling on the complaint No. 206/2022 brought by DCI, FEANTSA, MEDEL, CCOO and ATD Fourth World against Spain, published ton 27th February, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has ruled that a situation in which people have irregular access to energy or no access at all for a prolonged period makes them energy poor which constitutes a violation of the European Social Charter.
In this groundbreaking decision, the ECSR closely examined the relationship between human rights and access to energy The decision clearly states that ‘stable, constant and secure access to sufficient energy’ is a prerequisite and a key element in the enjoyment of the rights to housing, health, education and protection against poverty and social exclusion under the European Social Charter. To be ‘sufficient’ for the purposes of the Charter, energy must be affordable, clean and sustainable This is fundamental for children, families, the elderly and disabled persons.
https://www.coe.int/fr/web/european-social-charter/-/publication-of-the-...
